The main difference between single and double deck blackjack is the number of decks of cards used in the game. In single deck blackjack, only one deck of cards is used, while in double deck blackjack, two decks of cards are shuffled together and used in the game.
This difference has several major implications for the game of blackjack:
Less Decks: The use of fewer decks in single deck blackjack means that there are fewer cards in play, which can make it easier for players to track the cards (Card Counting) and calculate when the odds of winning are improved (and therefore when to increase their bet size).
Different Rules : The use of fewer decks in single deck blackjack also means that the rules of the game can be more favorable to the player. For example, in single deck blackjack, the dealer may be required to hit on a soft 17 (a hand with an ace worth 11 points), while in double deck blackjack, the dealer is typically required to stand on a soft 17. This rule change can give the player a slightly higher chance of winning.
Lower House Edge: The use of fewer decks in single deck blackjack also means that the house edge is typically lower. This is because the probability of certain card combinations coming up is higher with fewer decks, which can give the player a slightly higher chance of winning.
Card Counting
The use of multiple decks began in order to reduce “card-counting” – strategy used by some blackjack players to increase their chances of winning.
Card-counting involves keeping track of the cards that have been played in the game, and using this information to calculate the probability of certain cards coming up.
To use card counting in blackjack, the player must first assign a value to each card in the deck. The most common method is to assign a value of +1 to low cards (2-6), a value of 0 to medium cards (7-9), and a value of -1 to high cards (10-Ace).
As the cards are played, the player keeps a running count of the values of the cards that have been played. For example, if the first four cards dealt are a 5, 6, 7, and 8, the running count would be +1.
The player can then use this information to calculate the probability of certain cards coming up. For example, if the running count is positive, it means that there are more low cards left in the deck, which can increase the probability of the dealer busting (going over 21). In this case, the player may decide to bet more, as they have a higher probability of winning.
Overall, card counting in blackjack is a strategy that involves keeping track of the cards that have been played and using this information to calculate the probability of certain cards coming up. It can be used to increase the player’s chances of winning, but it is also illegal in many casinos – and may result in you getting banned from the premises.